President’s Message – June 2018

” Tell me and I will forget. Teach me and I will remember. Involve me and I learn.”
~ Ben Franklin

The above quote from an American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers seems to precisely capture the essence of my message this month. Franklin, who was the leading author, printer, scientist, political theorist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat was a true believer in the value of learning. That very essential concept is also a very important mission of your Association, and we are dedicated to providing the teaching tools to help you learn through involvement.

In order to further that goal, FPSA is very pleased to be presenting our fourth Fall Sales Conference which will take place at the Sheraton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel, September 17-19th. This year's day and a half conference has a great array of outstanding presenters. Key speakers include:

Jeff Bloomfield, CEO, Braintrust – “Sales Isn't Rocket Science. It's Neuroscience”Jeff will, in part, be discussing how do you earn the right to “solve the customer's problem” when they don't view you any differently than your competitors.

Mark Hunter, CSP, The Sales Hunter – “High-Profit Prospecting: Breakthrough Results Require Breakthrough Strategies!”Mark will be talking about how too many salespeople chase after opportunities that have too little value to either the customer or their own company. Mark has worked for nearly 20 years for General Foods (Kraft Heinz) and ConAgra in sales/marketing/operations.

Matt Heinz, President/Founder, Heinz Marketing – “Content That Converts : A Proven, Profitable & Scalable Approach.”Matt's remarks will be centered on how content and technology has replaced media as the primary means by which leading B2B marketers drive awareness, interest, and inbound qualified leads for their sales teams.

Kelly Riggs, Founder/President, Chief Sales Officer, The Business LockerRoom –“Winning Business in the Modern Sales Environment.”

In this interactive involvement workshop, you will learn invaluable strategies from a 30-year sales veteran and Kelly will share why only 7% of salespeople are consistently successful and what average salespeople must do to change their sales results.

Likewise, this year's conference will also incorporate two concepts that will further accentuate your personal involvement in the learning process. First will be inclusion of a Speed Networking Session at the end of the first day which allows attendees to maximize interactions/connections, and second will be the ability for you to sign up and have a more in-depth discussion with our speakers at special networking dinners. To learn more about the speakers and their topics click here. Registration launches on June 8th!

In closing, summertime officially begins June 21st , and I am sure that many of you have already begun to make plans for vacations, weddings, family reunions, and all the wonderful aspects that summer brings. On behalf of the FPSA Board of Directors and staff, I would like to wish you a great and safe summer. As always, I appreciate receiving your comments and suggestions on how we can better help to serve you. Please reach out to me at dseckman@fpsa.org or at 703-663-1200.